❝ A R E  Y O U  G O O D , B R O ❞

After deciding on a pair of Aurora's
Gryffindor shorts and a plain maroon tank top, Addilyn rejoins Corbyn in the kitchen.

"Where is everyone else?" She questions, stealing one of the boy's gummies as she claims the barstool next to him.

Corbyn pauses, having to think about his answer. "Daniel is still trying to get Mr. Quackington to look at him. Callie and Jack went to their room. Carmen and Zach are watching Netflix in the living room. I have no idea what Logan is doing, but he and Alex are in the backyard. And last I checked, Aurora and Jonah are at Jonah's parents' house."

Addilyn nods, not expecting such a detailed answer. "So, how do you all know Alex?"

"She's Callie's friend. But she's moving away soon so we won't be seeing much of her for a while," Corbyn -after nearly choking on a gummy - explains quickly, appearing flustered by the topic. Not wanting Addilyn to question him further, he quickly changes the subject. "When do you think Jonah will propose?"

"He'll propose around Christmas time," Addilyn answers confidently. "He could make it one of his gifts to her or something like that."

"But that's so far away," the blond complains. "Nobody plans two months ahead!"

"Well, Jonah is," Addilyn can't help but laugh at how disappointed Corbyn sounds.

"No," he states stubbornly. "He has to be planning on proposing sooner."

"Want to make a bet, Corbs?" She grins mischievously.

Corbyn glances at her warily, immediately thinking back to the last time they made bets. "Absolutely."

"I bet Jonah proposes on Christmas day."

He taps his chin thoughtfully. "I bet he proposes on Halloween. What's the prize when I win?"

"When I win," Addilyn begins, glancing around the kitchen. "You have to steal a box of Aurora's Cheez-its. But, if for some crazy reason you win, I'll be stealing the box."

"That's a death wish," Corbyn laughs as he shakes her outstretched hand, sealing the bet. His head snaps in the direction of the living room as a familiar theme song resonates throughout the house. "THEY'RE WATCHING SPONGEBOB WITHOUT ME!"

Still gripping Addilyn's hand, Corbyn drags her along as he rushes into the living room.

Carmen and Zach sit cuddled together on the couch. In the recliner sits Daniel, his arms crossed and lower lip jutted out as he pouts. Corbyn drops onto the loveseat, already absorbed in the cartoon.

Addilyn giggles, dropping onto the floor in front of the loveseat. Mr. Quackington waddles over immediately, quacking repeatedly in an attempt to tell her something. When the duckling finishes his story, he plops onto the floor next to the girl.

"Daniel, is that true?" Addilyn asks, glancing at the still pouting boy.

"What?" He asks, throwing a wary look at Mr. Quackington as he does so.

"That you stuck your tongue out at Mr. Quackington?"

"He started it!" Daniel exclaims, throwing his arms up in exasperation.

The duckling honks in defiance, snapping his beak.

"Mr. Quackington!" Addilyn gasps, pointing an accusing finger at the small bird. "Watch your language!"

Logan falls into the living room at that exact moment, his face landing next to Mr. Quackington's. Alex isn't far behind, still holding a vlog camera.

"Mr. Quackington, I'm gonna have to give you the survey. Are you good, bro?" Logan asks. "What's your deal with Dani boy?"

The duckling quacks, swatting at Logan's nose with his tiny wing before waddling into Addilyn's lap.

Pushing himself off of the floor, Logan glances around the room. "I swear that duckling is related to Aurora."

"You should have seen him earlier," Carmen comments, chuckling. "He acts like he's a human."

****

"Carmen, don't you think it's time to go to bed?" Zach asks, looking down at the exhausted girl.

"No," she shakes her head, her words muffled by a yawn. "Aurora hasn't called yet."

Addilyn smiles sleepily, leaning her head back to rest it on Corbyn's leg. Glancing around for Mr. Quackington, she spots him cuddled into a sleeping Daniel's side.

"Are you tired?" Corbyn asks, playing with her hair.

"Just a little bit," she admits, yawning widely and struggling to keep her eyes open.

Corbyn smiles, slowly falling deeper in love with a girl he's known for a week without realizing it. Standing up, he gently pulls Addilyn to her feet as well.

"Come on, Addi," he murmurs. "I'll show you where you're sleeping."

Muttering a good night to everyone, Addilyn follows Corbyn into the hallway just as Carmen's phone rings. Heading up the stairs, she stops halfway, pulling him to a stop as well.

"What's wrong?" Corbyn asks worriedly, his eyebrows furrowing together.

"Where am I sleeping?" The girl questions, more alert than she had been earlier.

"My room," Corbyn answers as though it'd be obvious. Noticing her eyes widen, he quickly adds, "I'm taking the couch."

Pulling her hand form his, Addilyn crosses her arms. "I am not kicking you out of your bed, Corbs. I'll sleep on the couch."

"No," Corbyn laughs at the ludicrous suggestion. "You're our guest. You have to take the bed."

"Being the guest is exactly why I should get the couch," Addilyn argues.

"You're sleeping on a bed, Addi," Corbyn places his hands on his hips.

Jack and Callie appear at the top of the staircase without the other couple noticing. They watch the argument silently, their grins slowly widening.

"The couch," Addilyn states stubbornly.

"Bed."

"Couch."

"Bed."

"Couch."

In one swift movement, Corbyn throws Addilyn over his shoulder and continues up the stairs, ignoring her yells of protest.

"CORBYN BESSON, PUT ME - Hi, Jack and Callie - DOWN!" Addilyn shrieks.

"I will in a second," Corbyn answers, not fazed in the slightest.

Opening a bedroom door, he walks in and tosses the girl onto the bed. Having refused to let go of Corbyn, he falls onto the bed as well. Turning to look at the bewildered boy, she smirks defiantly.

"If I'm not allowed to sleep on the couch, you aren't allowed to either."